Mu Lan Taiwanese Restaurant (Waltham)

When you walk into Mu Lan it is like you are transported to Taiwan. They have some "Americanized" dishes, however they are known for their authentic dishes. My Chinese friends that also own restaurants told me that Mu Lan is the real deal. I went at lunchtime. Most tables were occupied. I was one of the only non-Asian customers. To me, that's a sign of a great restaurant. As soon as I sat, they brought me over tea, water with lemon, a ramikin of peanuts and a ramikin of pickled cabbage and carrots. A very pleasant start to the meal. My waiter, an older gentleman with glasses was very friendly and was one of the English speaking employees. Part of their menu is written in Taiwanese. Those items had pictures. You can also easily use your cell and Google translate. I should note the restaurant was extremely clean and had nice Asian decor. They give you chopsticks. There is forks/spoons available if needed. I use chopsticks at home so this wasn't an issue. I started with a cup of Hot and Sour Soup. It's a favorite dish of mine and I was curious to see how they did it. Great flavors with the normal fillers like tofu, golden needle, black fungus, egg etc. Had a good amount of heat to clear your nose. My next course was half of the House Duck. Also delicious! Although reading the reviews it sounds like people lean towards the Smoked Duck. I finished with some Cuttlefish Dumplings! These were amazing! I believe the wrapper was black from squid ink. Overall, very happy with the food and the little extras they give you.

When they bring out the bill, they also bring Orange slices!!! Kind of like the pineapple back in the day! They have a large menu with a lot of interesting choices. From a cultural perspective it was really fascinating to watch some of the families eat. Each person would get a bowl of rice. Then the table would get two giant bowls
One looked like a soup. The family members would pick at the big bowls and place items on their rice. After a few bites they would repeat the process.

Definitely worth checking out for great fresh, authentic Taiwanese/Chinese food. Prices were very reasonable! Excited to go back and try something new!

Parking: I didn't have trouble finding street parking!

Kid-friendliness: Kid friendly if your kid has an adventurous palette.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Hot and Sour Soup, Soup

Very good Taiwanese food. Prices seem a bit high, but everything is these days. Service was very good. We had the scallion pancakes, my shu pork, dry fried beans and ma la Chicken. All were tasty.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This was my first time eating here, and as a music teacher in the after school lesson program in Waltham, I was looking for a nice Chinese restaurant to grab a bite to eat. The wait staff service is very quick and very polite. Their Hot n Sour soup fresh and delicious! The Kung Pao chicken I ordered with white rice also excellent. If you’re in Waltham and looking for a clean, well maintained Chinese establishment def pay them a visit soon! ???❤️

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Hot and Sour Soup

Went there for a reunion with friends. Food was authentic, service was good.

Parking: Parking lot behind restaurant

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Mu Lan Fish, Salted Crispy Chicken

Vegetarian options: 素煎饺?绝对值得一试！眼镜小哥服务周到！

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I had the BEST lunch at Mu Lan Taiwanese Restaurant today! ? I ordered the tofu and beef, along with the spicy chicken, and wow, I was blown away! The flavors were spot on—so rich, bold, and absolutely delicious. The tofu was perfectly tender and soaked up all that savory goodness, while the beef was super juicy and flavorful. And don’t even get me started on the spicy chicken—it had just the right amount of heat, giving it an exciting kick without being too much.

Plus, the portions were HUGE! Seriously, I was so full and satisfied, but still couldn't resist wanting more because everything tasted so good. Definitely recommend this place if you're craving a hearty and flavorful meal. I’ll be back for sure! Check out the photos I’m attaching—these dishes looked as good as they tasted! ?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I enjoyed the quick service and the food was great and had lots of flavor. Would definitely recommend as a place to eat in Waltham for anyone who enjoys Asian cuisine

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Scallion Pancakes

Love the food, very tasty. The service is not the best , but good enough. The atmosphere is relaxing and enjoyable.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was good. Service was fast. Place was busy and noise. But it was all interesting together.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 4

This place felt very authentic. Lovely ambiance and vibe. Great food and portion. A place to visit for a group launch or dinner.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Picture 1. (11) Home style spiced chicken(disgusting). Basically, it’s chicken you left in the fridge overnight. It is tasteless)
Picture 2. (154) eggplant with basil. It’s good probably because it is spicy enough.
Picture 3. (12) Smoked Duck Taiwanese Style. I think this one is good. It had the smoked flavor in the duck.
Picture 4. (67) Mu Lan Fish. It’s good, spicy enough and one of my favorite.
Picture 5. (101) Beef with Pineapple and Bitter Melon. It is good and the beef is tender enough.
Picture 6. Tea. It doesn’t look like tea. It’s just hot water with some brown color in it.

Food is ok but the service is very bad and very slow. When I talked to the waitress about the food in picture 1. She pretended she didn’t hear me and walked away.
Nobody came to my table to refill the tea. I had to bring my tea pot out to look for the tea refill station. Someone told me to leave the tea pot on the table and someone will refill it for me.
The guy with glasses who refilled my tea has a big smile on his face and speaks nicely. But the tea tastes like hot water. He said he will add some tea leaves into it but the tea still looks just like hot water.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: Stir Fried Eggplant with Pork, Eggplant with Basil, Fish

Our favorite Taiwanese restaurants. The quality of the meals are always great!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Steamed Codfish in Dry Bean Sauce, Smoked Duck Taiwanese Style, Fish

Highly recommend Mu Lan for authentic Taiwanese food. Every time we eat here, the food has been consistently delicious. My aunt is from Taiwan and it's her go to place when she misses Taiwanese food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: House Special Fried Rice, Smoked Duck Taiwanese Style, Salted Crispy Chicken, Fish

Standard fusion Chinese American restaurant, with options to get genuine Chinese food-- depends on the chef on duty. Good price for lunch.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Stir Fried Eggplant with Pork

Come here for authentic Taiwanese food! Approved by my Taiwanese in laws

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4